A dual-path sequence of first-order reactions the protiodeacylation of acetylpropionylmesitylene

An example of a sequence of competing first-order reactions, leading to a common product, has been found for the sulfodeacylation of acetylpropionylmesitylene. The basic reaction scheme is Scheme l and a kinetic analysis of the component rate constants allows an estimate to be made of the concentrations of the reactant and products as a function of time. In the present system the total concentration of the intermediates B, C, and D never exceeds 0.26% at 25°C, and therefore the kinetics, which were followed spectrophotometrically, were essentially of the conversion of substrate A to the final product E. The kinetics of protiodeacylation have been measured, over a range of temperatures, of propionyl-, dipropionyl-, and acetylpropionylmesitylenes in 89.8% (w/w) sulfuric acid.